AP/PAP vs 10 day MYW+ hpper w/no exp

[BROWNSPHAN]

We are most likely going to become DVC members soon. My question is what seems to be better the AP / pap or go with a 10 day hopper plus the six visits with no expiration ? There are 5 of us. 4 would get adult and 1 child (5). The way I figured it is:
AP- 315 x 4 & 1 child @ 277 + 6.5% sales taxes =1638

PAP - 414x 4& 1 ch @364 + 6.5 =2151

10 DAY HOPPER PLUS, NO EXP - 4+1 CHILD =2185 TOTAL

THE REASON I ASK IS WE WOULD MOST LIKELY DO 5 DAYS AT A TIME.WITH THE 10 DAY PLUS,WE WOULD GO 2 DAYS TO RELAX 2 DAYS TO THE PARKS AND 1 DAY TO THE WATER PARK OR DISNEY QUEST.WITH ALL THAT IN MIND WITH GOING DOWN 2 TIMES A YEAR. ASSUMING ALL THIS,WE WOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE 5 TRIPS TO DISNEY (2 A YEAR) WHICH WOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO 2.5 YEARS WORTH OF GOING TO THE PARKS.ON THE OTHER HAND IF WE WENT WITH A AP WHAT IS THE RENEWAL PRICE AS OF RIGHT NOW ON BOTH TYPE OF PASSES. KNOWING THAT THOSE MAY GO UP AGAIN NEXT YEAR. ANY INFO WOULD BE GREAT. THANK YOU , GREG

 

[Plutofan]

There is no easy answer. If you become a DVC member then you would have to factor in the following:

Currently DVC members receive $100 off an adult AP and I believe $85 off a kids pass. We buy the annual pass and schedule our trips to get two years of use out of them.

Since we are AP holders we can buy the DDE card for $50 which gives us 20% meals and drinks off most Disney restuarants for up to 10 people. This is a big savings especially at Vitora and Alberts. For us this works out better than the Disney Dining plan since we like to go to sit down places for breakfast and dinner. For breakfast we usually do a character breakfast each morning.

The AP also gives us a 10% discount at the Disney store downtown.

You will need to check to make sure nothing has changed for the discounts in 2006.

You will need to take your individual situation and calculate your total costs based upon any side benefits for owning the AP. Also it is nice to know that if you have any extra points left over you can do an additional trip to Disney and have free admission to the parks and a free room.

 

[thelionqueen]

I would say buy the AP. We had this exact same situation back in Oct. and "bit the bullet" and bought the AP's.

Boy and I glad I did! We will have gone at least twice (maybe 3X depending on Sept. rate specials) saved well over $1000.00 on the room alone, and can go whenever we want with no restrictions.

On the flip side, it may cause you to go more...not a bad think IMHO

 

[BROWNSPHAN]

Thanks for the info. My biggest thing is with an AP we would most likely use 3 times in a year. ( once the first time we go down,second vacation,and 3rd one week earlier than it expires to get the best bang for your buck.With the 10 day no expire we could if we want or not at all.Thus maybe allowing us to have more trips to Disney.I know the going rates for DVc members for new passes.My main question is what is the renewal rate for DVCers?I might be more likely to get the AP just for the freedom to come and go as we please. Also does anyone know,with the dining that is coming soon, do you need to have a ticket to the parks if you only plan on eating at the resort restaurants. We enjoyed those better than the ones in the parks (except @ Epcot).Not that we didnt like the ones in the park,but the ones in the resorts,there is such a great selections and you get to see the different hotels as well . Thanks to all Greg

 

[thelionqueen]

Thanks for the info. My biggest thing is with an AP we would most likely use 3 times in a year. ( once the first time we go down,second vacation,and 3rd one week earlier than it expires to get the best bang for your buck.With the 10 day no expire we could if we want or not at all.Thus maybe allowing us to have more trips to Disney.I know the going rates for DVc members for new passes.My main question is what is the renewal rate for DVCers?I might be more likely to get the AP just for the freedom to come and go as we please. Also does anyone know,with the dining that is coming soon, do you need to have a ticket to the parks if you only plan on eating at the resort restaurants. We enjoyed those better than the ones in the parks (except @ Epcot).Not that we didnt like the ones in the park,but the ones in the resorts,there is such a great selections and you get to see the different hotels as well . Thanks to all Greg

With the DVC dining plan you do not need to have any tickets nor eat at any certain restaurants. All restaurants that are included in Dining plan can be used in any way you see fit. I don't know what the exact renewal rate is, but I know it is around $100.00 off for adults and like $65-75 off for kids. Hope it helps.